Get Help Israel - Asher Siegelman's Community

Asher Siegelman, PhD

Clinical Psychologist | Clinical Suicidologist

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Curious

Conversation Starter

24 Jun 2026

What do you on Shabbos and Yom Tov/Chag?

I'm curious about what process people use from going to the self harm/suicide mindset on Shabbos and Yom Tov/Chag. During the week do you distract yourself by reading books? Listening to the radio? Calling a friend? Writing in a diary? What do you do on Shabbos or Yom Tov/Chag? Have you spoken to a Rabbi about you are allowed to do? What were you told? If you haven't spoken to a Rabbi is there a reason you haven't?

I know what my own experiances are. I'm curious what other people do.

Add Comment

Asher Siegelman

09 Jul 2026 at 18:38

This is a difficult question to answer broadly as it is so specific to individual needs. What I can say broadly is that safety is the first priority. This would mean that if a person is in danger, doing what needs to be done to create safety comes first. Again, what this means for each person is impossible to answer in a general fashion. Safety though is a concrete concern. It certainly does not JUST have to do with how people feel. This is where we hear about factors such as intent, plan and means. My experience has been that rabbis are prepared to be very permissible with any level of risk and, consequently, they rely more on the guidance of the mental health professional to help with their decision.